At the same moment, Jupiter’s rider, realizing that he could not overtake his opponent, lashed out with his whip.
The blow caught Shirley squarely across the face, and she reeled, and for a moment Gabriel was almost thrown off his stride. But the gallant horse recovered quickly, and with a last desperate effort, leaped forward under the wire—a winner by a neck.
Shirley, in great pain, still had the presence of mind to pull Gabriel in, and sick and faint, she headed him quickly for the Willing stable.
But Mr. Willing and the others, as well as the rest of the crowd, had seen the cowardly act, and a great cry of anger rose in the air. Mr. Willing made for his stable at top speed, the others following.
At his stable, Gabriel stopped.
Shirley swayed in the saddle and toppled over; and Mr. Willing, running up at that moment, arrived just in time to catch her in his arms.
Gently he laid her on the ground. Her cap fell from her head, and her long hair came tumbling down.
Mr. Willing stood still in his surprise.
“Shirley!” he cried, and gathered her up in his arms.